After 2 singles on different labels and a surprise number one hit as part of M/A/R/R/S's "Pump Up the Volume", they made two ground-breaking albums that placed them precariously in the indie scene - however they preferred the term "dream pop". These albums were 69 in 1988 and i in 1989.
Hard to place in terms of genre, 69 was more consciously indie, though that's not saying much, seen by some as part of a continuum that included jimi hendrix' more spaced-out offerings, miles davis and others - musically it asked questions and opened doors that have still to be explored. 'i' was a dramatic change, clearly slicker and smoother, and covering a wide variety of styles over twenty-six tracks (ten of which were short noise interludes). "i" also spawned A.R. Kane's best-known song in "A Love From Outer Space". Both albums achieved wide critical acclaim.
Follow up album New Clear Child (1994), was not received as well, the reasons being a believed lack of coherent direction and a feeling that the ideas were merely (admittedly excellent) re hashes of works that were completed more succinctly in the earlier 2 albums.
Rudy Tambala made ambient and dub influenced music under the name Sufi. Neither is currently involved in the music industry to any great extent. Post-A.R. Kane, Alex Ayuli was (possibly still is) a museum curator in the U.S. Russell Smith still DJ's rare soul 45s in UK and Europe and earns a living as a restorer/ decorator in South West France.
Mars
A.R. Kane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Saluba Nanã, odociabá
Sou a ciranda, tenho a melodia
E moro na Ilha de Itamaracá
Salve as Iabás, ora ie ie ô
Saluba Nanã, odociabá
Povo do Samba, eu me chamo Lia
Vim aqui me apresentar
Sou filha das águas mulher guerreira
A inspiração vem do mar
Com as ondas na branca areia
A brisa sopra mais forte
Na cana e nos coqueirais
Lua prateia serena
Nos rios e manguezais
Pulsa minh'alma de artista
No folclore do meu chão
O tom e as cores da ilha
Vivem na minha canção
Cirandeiro ah, cirandeiro ê
Rainha Preta, a voz que tem poder
Cirandeiro ê, cirandeiro ah
Entra na roda vamos cirandar
Reis e Rainhas na lida ao Sol
Ganham a vida com próprio suor
Salve a padroeira, as festas, a pesca e a paixão
Tempero e sabor mainha deixou
Herança pro meu dia a dia
A minha folia o povo abraçou
Com amor, nesse clima de alegria
E no carnaval sou estrela
Meu colorido é axé
No Império da Tijuca, brilhando na avenida
Eu sou a negritude, a música
E a cirandeira tão querida
The lyrics of A.R. Kane's song "Mars" paint a vivid picture of a celestial journey guided by the titular god of war - Mars. The opening lines, "Salve as Iabás, ora ie ie ô / Saluba Nanã, odociabá," serve as a mystical invocation to ancient deities and set the spiritual tone for the rest of the song. The references to Iabás and Nanã suggest a connection to Afro-Brazilian mythology and spirituality, signaling a deeper exploration of cultural roots and ancestral wisdom.
The verses that follow delve into themes of strength, femininity, and cultural pride, as the singer identifies herself as a warrior woman born from the waters, deriving inspiration from the sea and the natural elements that surround her. The imagery of waves crashing on white sands, the breeze sweeping through sugarcane fields and coconut groves, and the silvery moon casting its glow on rivers and mangroves, evokes a sense of harmony with nature and a deep spiritual connection to the land.
The chorus, with its rhythmic chant of "Cirandeiro ah, cirandeiro ê / Rainha Preta, a voz que tem poder / Cirandeiro ê, cirandeiro ah / Entra na roda vamos cirandar," celebrates the power of music and community, inviting listeners to join in a joyous dance and embrace the rich cultural heritage that permeates the singer's world. The mention of "Reis e Rainhas" laboring under the sun, earning their livelihood through hard work, pays homage to the resilience and spirit of the people who carry on traditions passed down through generations.
In the final verses, the singer reflects on her role as a star in the carnival, shining brightly with the essence of her heritage and the energy of her people. She embodies the essence of negritude, blending music, tradition, and love into a vibrant tapestry of celebration. The lyrics of "Mars" by A.R. Kane thus become a hymn to resilience, culture, and unity, encapsulating the beauty and power of embracing one's roots and sharing them with the world.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gabriel Cascardo Gaviao, Gabriel Machado Charuto, GILSINHO OLIVEIRA, Sergio Gil, Ferreti da Ponte, Henrique bada, JC Couto JC Couto, Eduardo Katata
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind